Sermon on mount today

 Dominic Done

Blessed are the single moms, the orphans, and widows, for you are the future of God’s new creation. Blessed are those who have made a train wreck of their lives, and those burdened by the weight of shame, guilt, and regret, for God is on your side. Blessed are the dropouts, addicts, unemployed, indebted, anxious, and depressed, for you are the object of God’s affection. Blessed are those who don’t have it all together, those who have run out of strength, ideas, and will-power—because yours is the kingdom of heaven.

Religion condemns the broken. Jesus makes the broken his mission.

Religion excludes the sinner. Jesus invites them to his table.

Religion shames people for having dirty feet. Jesus kneels down to wash them.

How does he do this?

Through you. Through me.

“The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:25–37).

“Go.” Agape love is never stagnant. It does things. It goes places. It seeks out the desperate without relenting. It draws near to the sinner without condemning. It sits in the darkness without despairing.

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High.” (Luke 6:32–35)